Bridgerton, but make it gay

Queer Historical Romance Recs

Dearest gentle reader,

I spent last weekend dressing up, going to a tea party, and binge watching Bridgerton with friends. The season had its ups and downs, with both delights and drama. There were some new developments that were exciting but certain aspects left me wanting. I’m trying to be vague to protect gentle eyes from spoilers. In any case, it’s Pride month, so I thought I would share some of my favorite queer Bridgerton like reads.

Actually from Doctor Who, which has also jumped on the Bridgerton fan wagon.

In rough order of most historically accurate to most out there, I present:

First is The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite. Waite is a prolific historical romance auhor who started a sapphic series a few years ago. The Lady’s Guide is the first in that trilogy, and it follows Lucy, a budding astronomer, and Catherine, a widow who recently lost her scientist husband. Lucy shows up to finish his work, and the pair end up becoming friends, then more. This romance is genuinely so sweet and cozy (and spicy), it’s everything you want in a regency romance but with two ladies! I haven’t read the other two books yet but they’re on my tbr.

I could write several pages of praise for Alexis Hall, but one of my favorites is A Lady for A Duke. The trans woman FMC, Viola, took on a new identity after being presumed killed in the battle of Waterloo. However, she hasn’t been able to forget her childhood best friend, Justin, the Duke of Gracewood. Justin has become depressed and is basically rotting away on his estate, and Viola vows to bring him back to his old self. I adore the friends to lovers trope, and the healing journey each character goes on as they find love was at turns heartwrenching and endearing. This book also has one of my favorite epilogues I’ve read in a romance.

Cat Sebastian has an extensive back catalog of queer historical romance. I started with The Queer Principles of Kit Webb, about a former highwayman who falls in love with an aristocrat when they pair up for a heist. This book is cute and humorous, perfect if you’re looking for a lighter read.

(Side note, if you’re in to highwayfolks, you should check out Renegade Nell, which is a shamefully underrated show on Disney Plus about a highwaywoman and her faerie best friend, played by Louisa Harland—Nicola Coughlan’s fellow Derry Girls alum!—and Nick Mohammed, that guy from Ted Lasso.)

I recently got Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms by Sarah Wallace and S.O. Callahan. It’s a regency fantasy romance and it’s academic rivals to lovers! Set in an alternate London where humans and fae coexist, this cozy romance follows Roger Barnes and Win Wrenwhistle, as they are forced to work together and THEN forced to marry. It sounds delightful and I’m excited to read it.

The last one is sci-fi, but hear me out. Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell is a queernormative space opera and has all the political drama, manners, and swoony romance of Bridgerton. It’s an arranged marriage plot between Kiem, resident bad boy prince, and Jainan, the well behaved politician. It’s slow burn and the opposites attract romance is *chef’s kiss*. I also love the sequel, Ocean’s Echo, which is set in the same universe.

If you think these recommendations are helpful, please share this post!

Next, I want to get to KJ Charles’ regency series and Rebel Carter’s western romances. Fortunately there is plenty to read before the next season of Bridgerton, however long that may be. Do you have any favorite historical romances? Leave your season 3 hot takes and reading recommendations in the comments!

Sincerely,

Lady Kate